Oven Antenna Nesting and Segmentation for Multi-Frequency Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave ovens face challenges in achieving uniform cooking and preventing antenna contamination and damage due to varying optimal frequency bands for different food types, as well as interference and exposure issues with existing antenna designs.
Innovation Solution
The oven features a heating unit with a specific pattern and support members that securely fix the heating unit, allowing for even heating and placement of antennas within forming parts to prevent exposure, ensuring optimal radiation efficiency across multiple frequency bands and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radiating portion is used in the antenna, then the antenna size is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the antenna can only operate at one frequency band with maximum radiation efficiency, limiting versatility for different food types
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple radiating portions (first, second, third radiating portions) that can be independently activated. Each radiating portion corresponds to different frequency bands, allowing the antenna to operate at multiple frequency bands by selectively activating appropriate segments, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and multi-frequency capability.
2Reliability
If the radiating portion is exposed to the inside of the cooking space, then radiation efficiency is maximized, but the antenna is susceptible to contamination and damage from cooking ingredients and food
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating portions are nested within forming parts that protrude into the cooking space. This nested configuration allows the radiating portions to be positioned optimally for radiation while being physically protected by the forming parts, preventing direct contact with cooking ingredients and food, thus resolving the contradiction between radiation efficiency and protection from contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed to achieve optimal heating for various food types, then heating versatility is improved, but mutual interference between antennas increases and complicates the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
A single antenna structure incorporates multiple radiating portions that can function across different frequency bands. This multi-functional antenna design eliminates the need for multiple separate antennas, reducing mutual interference while maintaining versatility for heating different types of food, thus resolving the contradiction between heating versatility and device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures uniform heating, prevents antenna contamination, and maintains optimal radiation efficiency across multiple frequency bands, enhancing cooking performance and antenna durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit installed adjacent to the upper frame and configured to transfer heat to the cooking space
Implementation Method 2
ovens may use microwaves, infrared radiation, convection, etc. to cook food
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of antennas installed at one side of the upper frame and configured to emit radio waves, transmitted from a radio wave generator
Implementation Method 4
microwaves generated from an external power source may be transmitted into the space through a waveguide
Implementation Method 5
The emitted microwaves may be reflected from (or bounce off) a metal inner wall that surrounds the space, and the microwaves may travel to reach the food
Data Source
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AI summary
An oven includes a housing provided therein with a cooking space and having an upper frame that defines an upper wall in the cooking space, a heating unit installed adjacent to the upper frame and configured to transfer heat to the cooking space, and a plurality of antennas installed at one side of the upper frame and configured to emit radio waves, transmitted from a radio wave generator in electrical connection to an external power source for radio wave generation, toward the cooking space. The heating unit extends to have a predetermined pattern forming a closed area, and is provided with a support member installed to be in contact at a plurality of points therewith.